PETALING JAYA: Ahmad Haziq Kutty Abba needed just one chance to show he could mix it with the big boys, and he did so impressively even as his team Terengganu went down recently.
The 22-year-old was part of the side that lost 0-3 to defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the Super League match at Gong Badak last week.
In fact, the Turtles have been winless in the last three matches in all competitions.
Fans have grown restless with the Turtles’ performances and begun questioning the players’ desire. That, however, could not be said of Haziq.
Making his first start for the club this season, the best young player at last season’s Malaysian football awards, impressed with his work rate in midfield.
He made two interceptions, five clearances, eight ball recoveries and won six ground duels, and did not let a single JDT player dribble past him.
He also covered a strong 11.1km.
Since joining in August, Haziq has played four games in all competitions for Terengganu despite facing stiff competition from Bahraini midfielder Habib Haroon, Philippines international Manuel Ott and Daniel Amier Norhisham to gain minutes with the team.
“My time in Terengganu has been good. I’m getting to play and I’m growing as a person and as a player,” said Haziq. “I’m working hard every day and trying to use every opportunity wisely.
“The coach and my teammates have been helping me since the first day I arrived, guiding me and helping me become a better player.
“I know we don’t have the results we expected, but we have to trust coach Nafuzi (Zain) because we know his qualities.
“We are working hard every day to show better performances and change our run of results.”
Terengganu next face Sabah in the Super League at Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu on Oct 31, and Haziq is hopeful of more game time after his showing against JDT.
